Today, Pakistan extended its airspace ban on all Indian-registered, operated, or leased aircraft—including military flights—until June 24, a move reciprocated by India with a ban on Pakistani aircraft until June 23.
These restrictions, rooted in bilateral hostilities, follow Pakistan’s earlier closure of its airspace on April 24 in response to India’s suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and unilateral trade restrictions.
Islamabad framed its actions as necessary to counter New Delhi’s “state-sponsored terrorism” in Indian-administered Kashmir, where a deadly April attack on tourists escalated tensions.
Tit-for-Tat Measures and Security Imperatives
Pakistan’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) explicitly bars Indian aircraft at all altitudes, emphasizing that the ban targets only Indian operators, sparing international carriers. This calibrated approach underscores Pakistan’s commitment to minimizing collateral damage while holding India accountable for its unilateral measures. The closure aligns with Pakistan’s broader diplomatic strategy to resist coercion, including expelling Indian diplomats, suspending bilateral trade, and closing the Wagah border crossing.
India’s retaliatory ban, while symbolically equivalent, disproportionately impacts its own aviation sector. Air India alone faces projected losses of $591 million annually due to rerouted flights over the Arabian Sea or Central Asia, while Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) reports minimal operational disruptions, as only two routes to Kuala Lumpur and Beijing are affected. Pakistan’s restraint in limiting the ban’s scope reflects its adherence to international norms, contrasting with India’s broader economic and diplomatic provocations.
Impact on Aviation and Regional Stability
The mutual airspace closures have forced Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo to adopt circuitous routes, adding up to 2.8 hours to transatlantic flights and canceling services to Central Asian destinations like Tashkent and Almaty. These disruptions highlight India’s reliance on Pakistani airspace for 20% of its international flights, whereas 99% of Pakistan’s flights remain unaffected. The asymmetry underscores Pakistan’s strategic resilience and India’s vulnerability to self-inflicted economic costs.
Humanitarian and Economic Fallout
While Pakistan has prioritized safeguarding its sovereignty, the closures exacerbate humanitarian challenges in the region. Over 13 million people in Pakistan rely on water from the Indus River system, which India’s treaty suspension jeopardizes. Meanwhile, India’s blockade of aid and trade has deepened economic strain in Kashmir, where tourism—a critical revenue source—has collapsed. Pakistan’s measured response contrasts with India’s punitive measures, which risk destabilizing South Asia’s fragile ecosystem.
Call for De-escalation
Analysts warn that prolonged airspace restrictions could cripple regional air cargo networks and tourism, with global carriers like British Airways and Lufthansa already rerouting flights at significant cost. Pakistan has consistently advocated for dialogue, urging the international community to address India’s unilateral actions in Kashmir and its violations of the Simla Agreement. Islamabad’s willingness to engage in Oman-mediated talks contrasts with India’s refusal to substantiate its allegations of Pakistani terrorism with evidence.